origins of expressions

[brackster]

what are the origins of the expressions "kick the bucket" and "pop your clogs"

[brackster]

rabbits

[Quizmonster]

As far back as the 1500s, one meaning of the word �bucket' was a beam or yoke on which things could be hung or carried, based on the Old French word �buque' or �buquet' meaning a balance. Shakespeare himself uses the word in this sense when Falstaff says: "...he that gibbets on the brewer's bucket" in �Henry IV Part 2' Act 3 Scene 2. (Since �gibbet' meant to hang/dangle, this is clearly not a reference to a pail-type bucket!)
One use for such a bucket was to hang animals by their heels for slaughter. Of course, in their death-struggle, they would �kick the bucket' and that is where we get the phrase which means �to die'. It has nothing to do with spilling water just drawn up in a bucket from a well or with convicted criminals in the Navy - or suicides - standing on a pail which could then be kicked away, allowing them to be hanged. These are just such fanciful ideas, I'm afraid.

[Quizmonster]

Click here for an explanation of 'pop your clogs'.

[Grunty]

But what's it got to do with rabbits?

[brackster]

absolutely nowt do with rabbits - I'm afraid I was still logged on and my nasty delinquent neice thought she would post an answer - and to think I posted the question for her in the first place - some gratitude!!

[jno]

in It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World, as Spencer Tracy dies his foot shoots out and kicks a pail... The rest of the film doesn't get much funnier, really.